WASHINGTON, April 4, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for seven seats on the National Mango Board. The board is composed of 18 members, including eight importers; two domestic producers; one first handler; and seven foreign producers.

The National Mango Board is looking for three foreign producers and a domestic producer to replace representatives whose terms expire at the end of this year. The foreign producers represent production in overseas countries and the domestic producer represents production in the United States.

The board is also seeking to fill three importer seats. Two importers will represent District 3, which covers the customs districts of El Paso, Texas; Nogales, Ariz.; Great Falls, Mont.; and Pembina, N.D.; and one importer will cover District 4, which includes the customs districts of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Calif.; Columbia-Snake, Ore.; Seattle, Wash.; Anchorage, Alaska and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Perspective nominees must submit applications by May 8, 2013. Each selected member will serve a three-year term of office.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by the programs. All eligible women, minorities and persons with disabilities are invited to seek nomination for a seat on the National Mango Board.

The National Mango Board meets periodically to review marketing and research activities that benefit the industry. The national program, which became effective in 2004, is industry-funded and supports the national marketing and promotion of fresh mangos. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service oversees board activities to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

For more information or an application, please contact National Mango Board Executive Director, William Watson or Director of Industry Relations, Marilda Peele by phone at (407) 629-7318 or email at wwatson@mango.org or mpeele@mango.org. Visit the National Mango Board’s website at www.mango.org/nominations.